Sidmouth sent their Emerton Court team down the Devon Expressway to contest the away leg against Elfordleigh Golf Club near Plymouth, writes John Barnard.

This is the premier golf competition for the over 60s in Devon and the third round saw them drawing a well known solid team. Captain Bob Webber knew he had selected a strong team who hoped to pinch a point or two before the return leg.

In the event, the one point is what they achieved, losing 4-1 so they will hope for a clean sweep in the home leg in two weeks’ time.

The successful pairing was, once again, Nick Bater and Lester Willmington. Nick had warmed up earlier by playing 18 holes in the 72-hole challenge, happening simultaneously at Sidmouth Golf Club. They both played really solid golf and needed to for a close run win. Colin Macklin and Tony Stoyle were rally close to a stealing another half point, but some good play and outrageous luck benefitting their opponents to just lose. Captain Bob was also near two holes up for quite a long period.

The home leg will be different, playing on the rolling hills and speedy greens of Sidmouth and let’s hope that the team can put together a comprehensive victory and get to the fourth round, for the first time in quite a few years.